Dick Advocaat hopes Will Buckley’s loan move to Leeds United will herald the departure of more fringe players.

Buckley has been training with the Championship side since last week and his loan is due to be made official on Friday, in time for him to make his debut against Birmingham City at Elland Road on Saturday.

Emergency loans can run for a maximum of 93 days, and the delay in rubber-stamping Buckley’s switch is to ensure the winger is eligible to play in Leeds’ game on January 2, after which the move is expected to be converted into a £1m permanent deal.

Former Brighton winger Buckley is one of a handful of players who have no future on Wearside, and the first of that group to head for the exit.

And the hope is that the likes of Liam Bridcutt, Charis Mavrias and Valentin Roberge will now follow suit.

The Black Cats are understood to have been in talks with a Greek club over a potential January switch for winger Mavrias.

But offloading midfielder Bridcutt and central defender Roberge is proving problematic, largely due to the size of their wages.

Advocaat remains hopeful however, saying: “Buckley has already gone.

“Hopefully some more will go out.

“As I’ve said before, I would want to play if I was in that position.”